As I wandered around the garden, enjoying the crisp morning air, my thoughts drifted back to the events of last night. The tension had finally eased between Seraphine and me, but the memory of Ambrose's words still lingered at the back of my mind.
I kicked at a small pebble on the path, trying to push it all aside, focusing instead on the soft rustle of the wind through the leaves and the distant sound of birds singing.
Just as I felt the sun warm my face, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts.
"Riley, darling! There you are!"
I turned to see Leora, Seraphine's grandmother, striding towards me with purpose. Her long red hair, as vibrant as a sunset, caught the light, and her purple eyes sparkled with mischief.
She looked youthful, far too youthful for someone of her age, but I knew that was because of Zephara's mark one of the many mysteries that came with Seraphine's family.
